Suggestions for MA dentist for young anxious adult on the spectrum

April 22, 2017 7:54 PM

We're looking for a dentist in the Belmont/Arlington/Watertown/Cambridge area for my 19 year-old son who is ready to transition from his pediatric dentist. He likes her and her hygienist, but he's become embarrassed to go into their very kid-oriented office. He has lots of anxiety about medical settings, and really hates having people up close with their fingers and instruments in his mouth. He doesn't have any particular dental issues, just twice-yearly cleanings and exams.

He is on the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum, and has difficulty expressing his fears and needs. We'd really love to find a dentist who works well with both anxious, fearful patients and who also has experience--and maybe even a specialty--in working with young adults on the spectrum.

posted by primate moon to Health & Fitness (6 answers total)

You should check out Smiles By Rosie in Somerville. By far the kindest, gentlest, most understanding dentist I have ever visited.
posted by schroedingersgirl at 2:50 AM on April 23, 2017 [4 favorites]

I would check out Chris Karavolas. He is in dental practice next to his cousin, John Caravolas. It's an interesting and cool situation: the practice is physically split in half. His cousin does pediatrics, and he does adults. (Their last names are similar but not identical because their families immigrated at slightly different times.) The two practices really are separate, but they share a waiting room. My daughter has been going to the pediatric side for years; they are fantastic over there and might be able to do some kind of a transition consultation with you.

I go to the other side, but my actual dentist at that practice is Dr. Arvi Duka. I cannot vouch for his ability to work with younger adults, but I can emphatically say that he is, by far, the best dentist I have ever met. His work with teeth approaches magic. One time I needed to have a cavity filled, and he finished in 15 minutes. I was incredulous, because there was no pain or pressure. He was just very delicate and accurate.

**Oh, and they have a really cool model train that is right above the receptionist area. If it is off, ask them to turn it on! Who doesn't like trains?
posted by yet.another.boston.question at 4:29 AM on April 23, 2017

My dentist when I lived in Cambridge was Dr. Michael Bane, who was basically the nicest, most gentle man you can imagine.
posted by cider at 5:18 AM on April 23, 2017

Came in to also suggest Smiles by Rosie in Somerville, honestly one of the best dentists I've ever been to, I'm sure they can help you.
posted by danapiper at 4:18 PM on April 23, 2017

Also came to suggest Smiles By Rosie, absolutely lovely people and I think they would be well-equipped to help with your son's issues. I recently switched to her practice and I seriously was talking about how great the experience was for days afterwards (and I guess I still am now).

I had to wait six months to get an appointment, but it was no big deal.
posted by mskyle at 4:39 PM on April 23, 2017

I don't know about expertise with youth or people on the spectrum, but I had good experiences at Harvard Street Dental in Cambridge as an anxious adult.
posted by anotherthink at 1:47 PM on April 26, 2017